Hi everyone! I've been working as a dev for a remote company in the US for about three years now, making $55K a year. Initially, I saw this job as a stepping stone, but I became too comfortable. The pay is enough to get by, and working remotely lets me manage my time, which has kept me here. However, things have taken a turn for the worse. The company has faced major struggles and had to make significant budget cuts, leading to layoffs. I'm lucky to still have my job, but now my workload is heavier than ever. I'm working on what was supposed to be a simple full-stack feature, but it turned complex, and the pressure for delivery increases every day. I'm feeling underpaid, replaceable, and overwhelmed. I recently managed to pay off $30K in debt and for the first time, I'm debt-free, but I have no savings to fall back on. I often find myself working 12-hour days trying to get things just right, but the requirements keep changing, which leaves me exhausted. I've tried to maintain a better work-life balance, but it's hard to stick to that when the work demands are so high. I've been applying for other jobs but facing rejection. Any advice on how to relax and cope with this situation? Should I consider freelancing, or is that too chaotic right now? I love coding and am grateful for my job, but I really need some stability in this wild market.
5 Answers
First off, huge kudos for paying off that debt while earning $55K, that’s a massive achievement! As for your work situation, I get your frustration. It seems many companies are just piling the workload onto fewer people instead of hiring more staff. It’s really unfair.
Be transparent about how their demands might impact development times. Share that every time they change the requirements, it delays the project further. If they can understand that their requests aren't realistic, it might lead to better communication and expectations.
Work-life balance is crucial! Try to disconnect once your work hours are over. I know that's easier said than done, but remember: they’re pushing you because you’re letting them. Keep pushing back gently. Financially, it sounds like you’re on the right track with paying off debt, but it’s time to shift focus to building your savings.
Consider adopting a 'good enough' mindset for a while. Complete the tasks as expected, acknowledging the bugs but focus on delivering what's needed on time. Document everything—if they fire you for it, at least you’ll have clarity on the situation and a clean conscience.
You really need to set some boundaries and push back on your workload. If you're one of the few left, they can't just let you go easily. AI may be on the rise, but it can't replace your unique skills. Remember, if you’re burnt out, it might be worth considering if this job is worth the stress. Don’t hesitate to ask for a raise; you're doing the work of multiple people!
And if they do let you go, at least you’ll have plenty of proof to help you find a better job elsewhere!
Yeah, exactly! Collect data on your workload and show them why they can’t keep moving deadlines. If you can prove that what they’re asking for isn’t feasible, they might have to acknowledge it and make changes.